Why Replace Your Solar Batteries?
The rechargeable battery is the part of a solar light that wears out first. Unlike the LEDs, which can last for years, a rechargeable cell has a limited number of charge cycles and gradually holds less energy over time, usually lasting around one to three years.
When you notice your solar lights looking dimmer, flickering or going out well before the night is over, a worn battery is almost always the cause rather than a fault with the light itself. Swapping in a fresh solar battery restores the run time and brightness for a fraction of the cost of a new light.
Choosing the Right Solar Battery
Solar lights use rechargeable batteries, most commonly NiMH cells in AA or AAA sizes at 1.2 volts, so they can be topped up repeatedly by the solar panel. The quickest way to find the correct replacement is to remove the old battery and match its size, voltage and quantity, all of which are usually printed on the cell or inside the compartment.
Capacity is measured in mAh, and a higher mAh rating stores more energy for a longer glow. Choosing a battery with the same or a slightly higher capacity than the original is a simple way to improve performance. For more on getting the best from solar lighting, our ultimate solar lights guide is a helpful read.
How to Replace and Care for Your Solar Batteries
Replacing a solar battery is straightforward. Open the battery compartment, which is usually found on the underside of the solar panel or in a separate battery box, then remove the old cell and fit the new one the same way round, taking care to match the positive and negative ends.
Before first use, let the light charge fully in direct sunlight for a day with the switch turned off, as this gives the new battery its best possible first charge. Keeping the solar panel clean and positioned in good sunlight helps every set of batteries last longer, whether they are powering path lights or a run of solar fairy lights.
